SPL Team of the Week - December 21

GOALKEEPER

YVES MA-KALAMBAY (Hibs): He isn't always the flavour of the month at Easter Road, but the 'keeper produced a fine performance to repel Aberdeen during his team's 2-0 victory at Pittodrie as they maintained their SPL title charge.

DEFENDERS

KIRK BROADFOOT (Rangers): He is often dismissively described as a journeyman, but Rangers' recent revival has coincided with Broadfoot's return to the ranks and he was in typically purposeful mood during their 6-1 demolition of Motherwell.

GRAHAM GARTLAND (St Johnstone): Nobody could accuse the Perth side of being masters of consistency, but they have responded gutsily to their SPL promotion and gained another important victory over St Mirren, with Gartland outstanding at the back.

SCOTT ARFIELD (Falkirk): Alright, we are fielding him out of position, but Arfield deserves a mention in despatches for the splendid shift he offered while helping his side close the gap in the relegation battle with a hard-fought win over Kilmarnock.

MIDFIELDERS

LIAM MILLER (Hibs): He doesn't go courting headlines, but Miller has been one of the most potent forces in Hibs' splendid SPL season to date and the Irishman was at his industrious best while orchestrating a significant success over Aberdeen.

MICHAEL STEWART (Hearts): He attracted criticism from some Jambos at the start of the season, but Stewart has responded in the ideal manner and was in coruscating form as his troops beat Celtic at Tynecastle. His penalty was as sure-footed as everything else in his display.

DAMARCUS BEASLEY (Rangers): He served up the best performance of the weekend's SPL action, while reducing Motherwell's defence to shreds amidst a six-goal rout. The American scored one, created a couple of others and, generally, enhanced his bid to feature in next summer's World Cup.

RYAN FLYNN (Falkirk): His side might have struggled thus far in the campaign, but Flynn has shown a swashbuckling attitude to adversity and was excellent again in his club's crucial success over Kilmarnock.

STRIKERS

KENNY MILLER (Rangers): In his pomp, he is still capable of demonstrating why the Ibrox club once shelled out £5 million for his services as a teenager. He found the net twice and regularly left his Motherwell opponents clutching at shadows.

ANTHONY STOKES (Hibs): Week in, week out, he keeps contributing to the delight down Leith way and Stokes was on target twice at Pittodrie as he proved the catalyst for his team's 2-0 triumph over Aberdeen.

KYLE LAFFERTY (Rangers): Derided by opposing fans after his hapless simulation against Aberdeen last season, the Irishman has gradually found redemption this time around and was on the mark with two of his team's goals in the rout of Motherwell.

BAD WEEK

MARK McGHEE (Aberdeen): Another game, another defeat and another red card for McGhee's charges, with Lee Miller the offending player on this occasion. The manager has introduced a policy of community service for those of his side who get booked or sent off, but it is paying small dividends in the club's elusive search for success.